Syracuse, N.Y. -- A Cazenovia College professor who serves on the state Retired Race Horse Task Force defended the group's work today after Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill that would have extended the task force's life.

Professor Karin Bump, an equine business management expert, said that while the state Legislature created the task force in 2005, the group of volunteers appointed to it did not begin their work until 2008.

"There was quite a lag time before the committee was formed. It looks like we’ve been working on this for a long time. In reality it has not been that way at all," Bump said.

"We’re drawing our work to a close," said Bump, who said she is confident the report will be issued before Dec. 31, when the task force will cease to exist.

Eliminating the task force will not save New Yorkers much money. Since 2005, it has spent about $12,000, primarily on travel and administrative expenses, said Lee Park, spokesman for the Racing & Wagering Board. Members of the task force are not paid but are reimbursed for travel.